Standards and labels

• EN ISO 20345:2011

  Test results

  General Requirements CI

  The CI designation in the standard EN ISO 20345:2011 refers to the insulation performance of footwear against cold. This specification indicates that the footwear offers insulation against cold conditions, protecting the wearer's feet from low-temperature environments. The test method for determining this involves measuring the temperature decrease inside the footwear when exposed to cold conditions over a specified period. This performance is crucial for footwear used in conditions where exposure to cold is significant, ensuring safety and comfort for the wearer in such environments. The practical implications for safety footwear in this category include enhanced worker safety and performance in cold climates, applicable to industries such as construction, cold storage, and outdoor operations in winter conditions.

  General Requirements FO

  The standard EN ISO 20345:2011, specifically its General Requirement FO, pertains to footwear containing fuel oil-resistant outsoles. When footwear under this specification successfully meets the FO requirement, it implies that the footwear's outsole has been tested and confirmed to resist degradation due to contact with fuel oil. The test involves exposing the outsole material to fuel oil for a determined period, typically 22 hours, at a controlled temperature of 22°C. This test assesses the change in volume and properties of the outsole following fuel oil exposure by measuring its tensile strength and elongation before and after the exposure. For procurement professionals, a positive FO result indicates that the footwear's outsole will maintain its mechanical performance and integrity when in contact with fuel oil, making it suitable for industries where oil exposure is frequent, providing durability and reliable performance under such conditions.

  General Requirements HI

  The General Requirements HI result in the standard EN ISO 20345:2011 indicates that the footwear has been evaluated for insulation against heat. This particular result implies that the footwear can offer a certain level of protection against heat, ensuring that the user's feet are insulated when exposed to high temperatures. The test for this requirement involves assessing the footwear's capacity to provide insulation from heat under controlled test conditions. Given the practical implications, this result suggests that the footwear is suitable for environments where exposure to heat is a significant factor, such as in foundries or steel mills, thereby safeguarding the wearer’s feet against thermal risks. This is crucial for procurement professionals when considering safety footwear for sectors where heat resistance is paramount, ensuring compliance with safety regulations and protective performance criteria.

  General Requirements CR

  The standard EN ISO 20345:2011 encompasses general requirements for safety footwear to ensure they provide adequate protection in various occupational environments. Rating 'CR' signifies that the footwear has a cut resistant upper ensuring enhanced protection. The test method involves assessing the material's resistance to splitting or cracking under certain conditions, which simulates real-world industrial hazards involving sharp objects or surfaces. Practically, this result ensures that the footwear is suitable for environments where there is a risk of materials splitting or getting caught, thereby providing essential safety benefits to the user.

• Made in Germany

  "Made in Germany" is a label used to indicate that a product has been manufactured or produced in Germany. The label is not regulated by EU laws and doesn't have specific requirements, but it's an indication of quality, craftsmanship and reliability that many German companies and products are known for. However, some German companies and industries may have their own standards and certifications for the "Made in Germany" label, such as VDA for the automobile industry or TUV for the electronic products. In addition, the German government does not have any specific laws or regulations for the use of "Made in Germany" label. It is up to the companies themselves to decide if they want to use it, and if they do, it is their responsibility to ensure that the products are truly made in Germany.

• CE Marking

  CE Marking is a label that shows a product meets certain safety and environmental standards set by the European Union. To get the CE Marking, a company must test and certify their product meets these standards. CE Marking is required for many products sold in the EU, including electronics, machinery, toys and medical devices. It helps ensure that products are safe for consumers and the environment, and allows for easy trade within the EU.

• Oeko-Tex Standard 100

  Oeko-Tex Standard 100 is a product certification program for textiles, which is awarded by the Oeko-Tex Association. This program verifies that the textile products are free from harmful chemicals. To be able to use the Oeko-Tex Standard 100 label, a product must meet certain requirements set by the Oeko-Tex Association which include limits on the levels of harmful substances such as pesticides, heavy metals, and formaldehyde. The textile products are inspected and certified by Oeko-Tex, they can use the Oeko-Tex Standard 100 label on their packaging to show that they are free from harmful chemicals. This certification is for all types of textiles, from raw materials to finished products, and it is globally recognized.

• Textiles

  Textiles are materials made from fibers, such as cotton, wool, or polyester. In Europe, there are rules for how textiles should be made, sold, and labeled. These rules are set by the European Union. These rules ensure that textiles are safe and do not contain harmful chemicals, that they are labeled correctly and that the use of certain dangerous chemicals are banned. These rules are set to protect the health and safety of consumers and the environment. Companies that make or sell textiles in the EU must comply with these rules.

• Vegan

  Vegan refers to a lifestyle and diet that excludes all forms of animal exploitation, including the use of animal products, such as meat, dairy, eggs and honey. Vegan products are free from any animal-derived ingredients. In Europe, there are no specific requirements for labeling a product as vegan, but some countries have their own regulations for food labeling. The EU has an overview of the food labeling regulations that are in place, but these regulations do not specifically mention "vegan" as a label. However, a product can't be labeled as vegan if it contains any animal-derived ingredients. The Vegan Society and the European Vegetarian Union provide vegan certification for products that meet their criteria.